ABSTRACT

As a new field, fuzzy semantics is becoming more and more important.  Fuzziness is the important characteristic of language. Calculation is the essential function of the numerals. However, numerals also show their fuzziness in linguistics. It is difficult to translate the fuzzy numerals from Chinese into English and vice versa. The writer hopes that this thesis will be helpful for the translation of fuzzy numerals. 

First and foremost, the thesis discusses the definitions of some terms, including fuzziness, numerals and fuzzy numerals, which makes preparations for the next discussion. Furthermore, the thesis pays more stress on the pragmatic functions. These functions produce image and bring life to language. On the basis of various translation theories, the author summarizes the three principles of translating fuzzy numerals — maintaining image, conforming to the expression habit of the target language and preserving nationality, and three translating methods — mirror translation, adaptation and free translation.

Key words: semantic fuzziness; numerals; translation

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

Chapter Two LITERATURE REVIEW-2

Chapter Three FUZZY NUMERALS-5

3.1 Definitions-5

3.1.1 Fuzziness-5

3.1.2 Numeral-6

3.1.3 Fuzzy numeral-6

3.2 Pragmatic Functions-6

3.2.1 Hyperbole-7

3.2.2 Metonymy-7

3.2.3 Contrast-8

Chapter Four- PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF TRANSLATING NUMERALS WITH FUZZINESS-9

4.1 Principles of Translation-9

4.1.1 Maintaining the image-9

4.1.2 Conforming to the expression habit of the target language-11

4.1.3 Preserving the nationality-12

4.2 Methods of Translation-13

4.2.1 Mirror translation-13

4.2.2 Adaptation-13

4.2.3 Free translation-14

Chapter Five CONCLUSION-16

REFERENCES-17